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The Two-Way
Positive Signs: Jobless Claims Drop, Retail Sales Rise
June 13, 2013 There were fewer people applying for unemployment insurance last week. And in May, consumers spent more — particularly on cars.
The Two-Way
New Data Confirm The Economy Isn't Growing As Fast As Hoped
May 30, 2013 Gross domestic product expanded at a 2.4 percent annual rate in the first quarter, the government reports. At one point, economists thought growth was closer to 3 percent in the first three months of the year.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Drop, But Stay In Recent Range
May 23, 2013 There was more of a decline than economists expected, but the weekly pace hasn't really changed much since late 2011.
The Two-Way
Weekly Jobless Claims Stay Near 5-Year Low
May 9, 2013 The news could be another sign that the economy's picked up enough strength to convince employers that it's OK to hold on to workers.
The Two-Way
Applications For Unemployment Benefits Tick Up; Monthly Average At 5-Year Low
March 21, 2013 Economists said this means progress in the job market, mostly through a reduction in layoffs.
The Two-Way
Mixed Signals: Jobless Claims Dip; Layoff Plans Rise
March 7, 2013 As many eyes turn to Friday's employment report, new data offer a somewhat conflicting picture.
The Two-Way
What Nations Were The Most Forward-Looking In 2012?
February 7, 2013 Germany was the world's most future-oriented country in 2012, followed by Switzerland and Japan, according to the "Future Orientation Index," which is based on Google searches. Scientists say the index is "strongly correlated" to economic health.
The Two-Way
Consumer Confidence Drops; All Of 2012's Gains Gone
January 29, 2013 Though there have been other signs to indicate that the economy is on the upswing, many Americans aren't feeling all that good about how things are going.The private Conference Board reports that its widely watched consumer confidence index fell to 58.6 in January from 66.7 in December.
The Two-Way
Federal Reserve Boosts Effort To Lift Economy
December 12, 2012 The central bank's policymakers also said they expect their policies aimed at stimulating growth will remain in effect until the jobless rate drops to 6.5 percent, from the current 7.7 percent.
It's All Politics
Why The Economy Won't Help Obama — Or Romney
October 26, 2012 The economy is growing and consumer confidence is rising. But the data are too mixed to point to a robust economy. And it may be too late anyway to change voters' impressions.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Fell By 23,000 Last Week; Durable Goods Orders Rose
October 25, 2012 The number of first-time claims remains stuck in a range between 350,000 and 400,000, though. Meanwhile, a surge in aircraft orders boosted demand for products designed to last three or more years.
The Two-Way
Consumer Confidence Jumps To Pre-Recession Level, Survey Shows
October 12, 2012 The rise could spell good news for the economy if it means the crucial holiday shopping season will bring strong sales for retailers. It also might be an indicator of how voters will be feeling when they go to the polls.
Planet Money
NYT Excerpt: What Undecided Voters Agree On
October 9, 2012 On many economic issues, there's a broad consensus among undecided voters.
The Salt
Greek Olive Oil Woes Echo Country's Broader Economic Challenges
September 25, 2012 Greek businessmen say the country has never managed to properly market its prized olive oil. They say many of the country's business practices will have to change if it is to become a player on the world market.
The Two-Way
S&P 500 Spikes To New Four-Year High On News About Europe, U.S. Jobs
September 6, 2012 The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose to levels it hasn't hit in more than four years today, bolstered by the European Central Bank's plan to buy bonds of struggling countries to help support the euro. Strong U.S. jobs data also contributed to the gains.
